Foreword

In 1992, the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro presented Agenda 21 as
a master plan to achieve sustainable development. Agenda 21 demonstrates
universal goodwill and commitment for a world that is prospering, just and
habitable. Rio's action plan is based on the premise that sustainable
development is not just an option, but an imperative. It is equally based on the
firm belief that sustainable development can be achieved if appropriate action
is taken.

Three years earlier, in 1989, the international community agreed
on a far-reaching and innovative strategy to counter the threats of natural
disasters. The United Nations General Assembly proclaimed the 1990s the
International Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction, and established a
multisectoral Framework of Action. IDNDR's mid-term review was carried out by
the World Conference on Natural Disaster Reduction, in Yokohama, Japan in May
1994. The Yokohama Strategy and Plan of Action confirm and strengthen IDNDR's
objective to reduce the loss of life, property damage and socioeconomic
disruption caused by natural, technological and environmental disasters.

In June this year, the international community concluded a
thorough process of developing an agenda for two themes of global importance:
"Adequate shelter for all" and "Sustainable human settlements in an urbanizing
world." The Second United Nations Conference on Human Settlements, held in
Istanbul, brought a cycle of thematic world conferences to a successful close.
The Habitat Agenda is a global call for action and offers a positive vision of
sustainable human settlements.

All three conferences and their plans of action are closely
intertwined in their general commitment towards a safe and just world in the
twenty-first century. They also have in common many areas of specific action.
One of these areas is the reduction of vulnerability of people and communities
at risk from the threats of nature and the earth. The protection of assets from
the impacts of disasters protection of lives, knowledge and skills, property,
financial assets, means of production and infrastructure is an indispensable
part of national plans and strategies for sustainable development.

This publication highlights the threat from natural, environmental
and technological hazards in an area of rising concern - urban settlements and
cities of the future. It demonstrates even more amply our potential to combat
these threats effectively.

On the historic commemoration of the United Nations fiftieth
anniversary, in November 1995, Member States adopted on a Declaration which
solemnly reaffirms purpose and principles of the United Nations Charter. At the
same time, Member States seized the opportunity to redirect the United Nations
to help those who are suffering and are deeply deprived.

To foster sustained economic growth, social development,
environmental protection and social justice in fulfilment of commitments made on
international cooperation for development, Member States declared that they
will: "intensify cooperation on natural disaster reduction and major
technological and man-made disasters, disaster relief, post-disaster
rehabilitation and humanitarian assistance in order to enhance the capabilities
of affected countries to cope with such situations."

For "Cities at Risk," action must not be delayed.

H. E. Manuel Dengo

Ambassador of Costa Rica to the United NationsChairman, IDNDR
Contact Group, Geneva,
Switzerland